ND group tries again for investigation of Gov. Dalrymple

the case has been assigned to Judge William Herauf — the same judge who dismissed a similar petition late last year because he said it didn't have enough signatures and was filed in the wrong venue.

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By Associated Press

Crookston Times - Crookston, MN

By Associated Press

Posted Feb. 5, 2013 at 7:00 PM

By Associated Press

Posted Feb. 5, 2013 at 7:00 PM

Williston, N.D.

Dunn County residents seeking a grand jury investigation of Gov. Jack Dalrymple related to campaign contributions from the oil industry have submitted a second petition.

The Forum newspaper reports (http://bit.ly/WXJwHo ) that the case has been assigned to Judge William Herauf — the same judge who dismissed a similar petition late last year because he said it didn't have enough signatures and was filed in the wrong venue. The state Supreme Court last month rejected an appeal.

The Dunn County petition alleges that oil industry contributions to Dalrymple's gubernatorial campaign could be considered bribery. Dalrymple's campaign called the allegations baseless and politically motivated.

Citizen-initiated grand juries are uncommon. A bill in the state House this session would make it harder for citizens to convene a grand jury.